I'm fiddling with an all original work, and it's been a long time since I started some of these fanfic stories, who knows what else i'll add to them.

Kei isn't perfect and neither are you. Her aside mention (that you promptly forgot) of a flight out was hastily rescheduled then planted into the middle of the night. After being up all day, you're hardly much of a functional unit when you pull back into the parking lot at the office, your luggage packed and waiting on Kei to load into the passenger seat. You can't wait to pass out in your plane seat- which is amazing given how uncomfortable flights can be.

Being ready to sleep wasn't a bad choice. Kei's shoulder is soft, not to mention, she smells wonderful compared to the crowd of people and airport that reigns supreme away from her collar.

"The hell are we even doing here…" You moan, rubbing your eyes with several kinks in your back and legs having lost proper circulation hours ago.

Kei's hand in your hair wakes you up, drawing your attention to her fatigued but loving smile.

Your drowsy brain sees one thing, and anything but laughing isn't possible; Kei can feel what you're laughing at and desperately tries to pat down the renegade tuft of hair sticking off the side of her head. Her short silver hair has grown into a small, ragged bob and hangs in front of her ears and down around her neck. Your love sighs in defeat, resting against you again.

"I look like a fool…" She moans in defeat.

"It's cute, honestly."

"You always think I'm cute. I need a haircut." Kei grumbles.

You splash some water on your hand from a bottle and pet Kei's cowlick down, leaving her pouting like a shamed wet dog.

"Better?"

Kei checks her watch and sighs, collapsing onto the tray table in front of her.

"Thirty minutes or less until our destination. I want a real bed to sleep in."

"You didn't get a nap in?"

"A baby started crying some time after you fell asleep. I caught up some of our accounts' spreadsheet work during that time."

"Sucks to be a light sleeper right? If only I could gift you some of my sleep."

"If only things worked that way." She says, shaking her head.

"Am I going to have to carry you to the taxi?"

Kei slinks further down, sighing.

"Would you?"

You grin- of course, there's no question about it. You'll do anything for Kei.

"No doubt."

"You're a love drunk fool sometimes." She says with a little more energy from the shelter of her folded arms.

"Why did we have to leave so suddenly?"

Kei rolls over, showing her face.

"During my outburst, I said we had no time for vacation and all that. I was being selfish and short-sighted- I just figured it was best to get moving and then get to that expo from wherever we were staying."

"A 'seek forgiveness, not permission' kind of choice?"

"Call it an early present, I don't mind." Kei is dozing off again.

You manage to limp Kei to the hotel she booked, only a five star place would do. While you're sure it must look stunning during the day, you just want to get to bed as the sun's glow starts to peek over the horizon again.

Forgetting sections of time is often a good sign of sleep deprivation. Given that you have no idea how long you've slept, or even the room number that you've been assigned, you needed to be here, wrapped up under the covers with Kei. Her sweet, girlish scent stands out in the near sterile environment of a freshly cleaned hotel. Being this close to the one you love- her skin on yours… her petite body tucked into yours and most important of all, Kei is completely at peace with this contact. Who knows how long she could sleep here, as long as your beloved finally gets the rest she needs, you'll have to keep her. It's rare that Kei sleeps so peacefully.

You wake to the slender lady sliding her hands around your upper body. Her eyes dart to yours as she feels you take your waking breath. She presses her bare, modest chest to yours, her hands massaging your shoulder blades. Kei swallows roughly and though embarrassed, starts to talk.

"Thank you, for everything you do. It's not enough for me to just apologize like I did last night. You've tried so hard, and I can say that I've got confidence and skills that I've never had before. You've- turned me into a person, not just a businesswoman..."

You want to respond, but you can tell Kei isn't done yet. She's just getting started.

"Let's enjoy our vacation, do our job, get back to Lastation and choose a place to build a home. I feel absolutely certain that we were meant to be together, and that the only proper way to repay you would be to share our lives and a family. We don't have any issues with money-"

Kei's face is turning bright red and her heart hammers.

"I've got a promise ring here… I'd like to give it to you." I can only promise that I'll marry you right now. I don't think that I'm making the wrong choice, but just a bit more time will tell. In a couple years we'll be laughing that I even hesitated…"

With strength, Kei's voice ceases to wave. There's a glittering ring in Kei's hands. That thick skulled, boyish girl… really, really loves you.

"In six months, I'll replace that little piece of silver wire into a wedding ring."

Without thinking, you put your hand in hers' and let her slip the ring on.

"This is just your style, Kei." You say with a golden smile.

"I practiced saying that, a lot. The first couple times, I couldn't finish the script without breaking down. After thinking about it, I was just telling you I loved you and was devoting myself to so much more than just you. I couldn't stop thinking about holding a little silver haired girl of my own. " Kei says with a nervous laugh, basking in the glow of the moment.

The two of you take a breath of relief, just holding the other close. The ring on your finger is a new sensation, and it coldly presses against Kei's skin until your body heat warms it. The woman you love pushes off your chest and gets out of bed, trapezing about in nothing but her briefs, effortlessly displaying her ever perfect body to you. Kei pulls on a bra, then a navy blue polo and some khaki cargo shorts that hardly go down half her pale, wide thighs.

"Come on darling, I want a haircut. How short would you like it?"

You stand up and ruffle her mess of hair, pulling some strands to length on the top of her head.

"How about a nice pixie cut, like a finger width and a half or two long."

Kei gasps.

"Really? You would like that?"

"Of course, if I didn't like short hair, I don't think I could've enjoyed you so much in the first place."

"I should've guessed as much." Kei says, nearly scolding herself. "Short it is."

You're dressed and ready to head out. Kei takes your hand, of course the one she just put a ring on and keeps you at her side.

"Now, I don't want to hear any "guess who the groom is" jokes when we get married, my hair doesn't grow quickly." Kei says while waiting at the front desk of the barber's.

After some waiting, your love returns, hands folded in her lap, ready for your judgement. The short cut accents her softly curved face and calm, cutting eyes. Kei doesn't need any enhancement through hair styles, hell, any would be a downgrade; she has the face of an angel. You have to touch it. Kei lingers against you, her head pressed into your chest as your hand pets her gloriously soft and short hair. Part of you just wants to pick Kei up, pin her against a wall, kiss her, touch every part of her and make love until night comes. She's done something to you with that promise. You love that girl with all your being. Kei clings to your arm, hers locked in yours as you walk along the hot streets of the coastal town. After a short loiter inside the air conditioned chill of a barber shop, Kei comes back to your arm, proud of her freshly trimmed hair and beaming as you venture out again onto the oceanside road. The temperature seems to rise with each step. She stops and gazes out across the ocean as it laps eagerly at the beaches.

"You want to get an umbrella and towel? We could lay on the beach together." Kei says, holding a hand over her heart.

"When did you become an exhibitionist?" You tease.

Kei doesn't seem phased. She starts to take the lead, keeping you trailing while still holding your hand.

"Then swimming? We can play couples' volleyball."

"You've entirely abandoned the idea of hiding anything?"

Kei nods.

There's a background energy to your interactions today, a sort of baseline energy that makes even the most mundane interactions a love letter.

"I just want to have fun. I might be short, and neither of us have probably played volleyball since high school, but it would be fun."

"Alright, let's go get a sunburn and our clothes filled with sand, we'll probably lose every match too."

"Doesn't matter~" Kei says with a sing-song voice and a smile. From where you're standing, you can see the beach is starting to fill up as the day matures.

You meander to the volleyball net, first taking some time to walk in the waves with Kei. She's just humming quietly and squishing through the wet sand with her bare, pale feet; flip flops in her other hand. The sun shines off the water on her mostly bare legs. Kei could really use more time outside, her doll-like white complexion is almost guaranteed to result in a sunburn today.

"Shouldn't you put some sunscreen on?"

"Already did in the bathroom before we left. I know how easily I burn. You mean you didn't smell it on me?"

Kei's eyes gain a sultry glow.

"You wouldn't have your mind on other things, would you..? Save those for after dinner, darling~ I have a special treat for you tonight."

The vast sandy beaches are burning in the midday sun. Kei grins as she drags you into the fray.

Kei's mild sunburn on her lightly glowing pink skin fills your arm with heat in the rapidly cooling afternoon. Her visible happiness bubbles up in between lazily stepping to keep under your arm, with sand in her hair and swimsuit.

"I'm taking you out to dinner, and you'll enjoy it." She proclaims with a grin.

"Oh really?"

Kei puts a finger over her lips and trapezes over to her suitcase, sneaking off the bathroom for a shower. You wait patiently in the air conditioned chill of the bedroom with a clean outfit in your lap. The door creeps open and a refreshed Kei emerges, a silver silk short dress clinging to her petite body. A deeply cut neck shows plenty of her perfectly pale skin and cleavage. The slits on the side shows plenty of leg, also revealing that for once, she's not wearing boy shorts or boxers. Kei's freshly cut hair is swept towards a pearl stud in her left ear, and the sunburn on her cheeks almost makes it look like she's wearing makeup.

"Do I look good?" She asks, sitting by your side, locking eyes. Expectation and longing wait in Kei's gaze.

"You're stunning. I'm going to be underdressed."

Kei's mannerisms don't fit a dress; she's leaned over you, dress tangled around her legs and panties visible while she embraces you, giving you peck on the back of your neck.

"I love you~" She whispers in your ear. You accept her hug, strongly wrapping her small upper body in your arms.

"You're really bad at this whole 'elegant' thing, but it's really cute." You whisper back with a smile.

Kei slowly lets go of the embrace, taking a few quick kisses before standing again. She adjusts her dress back into a modest position and pushes you towards the shower.

"Come on, get ready, the reservation is for seven thirty."

You're in a new green polo that Kei chose for you and some typical black slacks. Kei pushes your hair around with some product after making you sit on the floor. The moist air that was once sweltering is now chilling and Kei clings to your arm while you walk to the resort's restaurant. After an elevator ride to the penthouse, you get a glimpse of the competition. Kei absolutely lays the the other girls out, fearlessly strolling to give a significant view of her legs. Just the way that Kei stands and poses while waiting on others puts her in a class of her own. With a thick, white leather wallet in hand, she poses with that hand on her hip. There's a lion-faced confidence in your lover today, revelling in the bond you share and the high class environment. Kei takes the seat that the server provides with grace, letting her hands rest in her lap and keeping a great pose with her back. She's trying to make her chest look bigger than it is, and that brings a smile to your face. She takes your hand on the table, teasing your fingers with faint touches and your heart with her eyes until service arrives.

The waiter brings menus written with traditional ink on parchment. The flowing black letters illustrate the exact kind of courses one would expect from this level of establishment. Finely prepared meats, exactly seasoned stews, salads with ingredients straight from the corners of the world and desserts prepared over the course of days. There are prices listed in small font by the borders of every item, terrorizing your mind which has become accustomed to the price of groceries at the supermarket or 15000 credit burger and fry combos.

Just as soon as the waiter has handed you the menu, Kei calmly says to the man:

"Oh, we won't be needing these. Give us the special. I trust your chefs to have chosen well."

"Soup or salad?" He says firmly.

"Two salads with House dressing please." Kei says with a creeping smile.

The waiter makes a circular scribble and thanks Kei, leaving you two alone again. A boy hurries up to the table as soon as the waiter can make it to the bar, presenting an old bottle of wine and pouring you both a glass, in addition to a small pitcher of water. The burgundy stained drink is stout for wine with a strong tartness and burn after a gulp. It sets a sedate grin and rosiness to the rest of Kei's face. She fiddles with the pearl stud lazily.

"I haven't been here in years, but it's always wonderful~" Kei says.

"I haven't seen you drink before." You say, caressing the glass of fiery wine in your hand.

"Oh, I usually don't. It can get extremely expensive for stuff like this and not to mention, is extremely irresponsible. It won't stop me from enjoying the flavor."

"I'm not going to be rude, but it's got the bite of moonshine."

Kei giggles.

"You just don't have the good memory yet, to have a sip of this wine and some of their meats is unmatched. Each sip takes me back to another time, before I was worth trillions and I was celebrating even having a functioning company after two years of hard work. Now, 5 years after that, I'm here with my darling for dinner."

Kei squeezes your knee with her offhand.

"We'll enjoy dinner, and then we'll get out of these costumes together." She says with a hushed lust.

"Oh, so it's going to be that way." You say, putting on a smile to not laugh. All of this is very unlike the conventional, practical Kei.

Kei retreats a bit and eases up.

"I feel entirely confident that you're my match. We put rings and vows on the slow boat just so others don't think we're completely mad and there's no social pressure to be anything but genuine. What happens between us in private though, can be whatever we like."

Your love cants her head and leans into a hand, elbow on the table.

"I feel like it would wear our the phrase if I told you I loved you every time it pops into my head."

"Like?" You say with a grin. Kei grins back with even more energy.

"The silliest little things make me appreciate you the most. The way you fall asleep on my shoulder every night, well before I can which forces me to stay in bed rather than pacing around or working. You can be slow to wake up but always brighten up as soon as I shove food into your face…"

Kei lets her hand fall.

"You're always calm and usually fair. I think that part is the best; you'll make a great father someday."

You chuckle and take her hand again.

"You're trying to make that day come sooner tonight." You say, enticing a response.

Kei bites her lip and her eyes fill with warmth, she tries to make it not so apparent, but it's really no use.

"T-talk to me" Kei says, her hand jittering under yours, pulses hammering.

"What do I like about you?"

She nods, starting to regain some nerves.

"Well, the most obvious choice is how cool you are. You're still working on the lady part, but in everything else you're amazingly skilled, you seem to know enough about anything to make it out on the winning side. It makes you look really cool, especially when you're all dressed up in your suit and looking victorious."

"You think so?" Kei prods, clasping a hand over her heart.

"Of course. You'll need to calm it down a bit if you're gonna be a mother. You can't go running off to war all of a sudden and come back in a tattered mess."

Kei nods. "I completely understand. However, I cannot always sit idle while the world changes. That is part of my job as Lastation's retainer… I… Have something for you here."

Kei produces a conventional, folded letter sized envelope from her wallet and slides it across the table to you.

"Open it." She beckons.

There's a set of pictures and a legal document. Kei bought land?

"It's two square kilometers of land, I bought it from one of the farmers just up the road from our office. Already flattened, the well isn't too far down. This plot has been left fallow for a long time and has started to grow trees again."

It's pretty. An ancient cobblestone fence runs along a dirt road pointing off towards what you recognize as your hometown. The opposite side of the road is nothing but old growth forest running up into mountains.

Kei is barely containing her glee.

"So what do you think?"

"I assume you want to build us a home here?"

"We'll split it half-half, right? I know neither of us are hurting for money, it's just a nice gesture." Kei says, putting her hands together. She's getting more into her comfort zone as you talk about this.

"I'd like a small house, but big enough for us to grow. Three bedrooms and a garage, maybe a little garden somewhere. Also: lots of lawn and forest for the kids to play."

"You've put a lot of thought into this."

Kei smiles and glances away.

"Well, you of all people should know that I'm a light sleeper. Had to do something without waking you up."

The waiter comes back with your salads, you only realize how hungry you are after taking a bite. The portions better be decent here- and he suddenly returns, bearing a small cast iron pot of cheese and a cloth wrapped loaf of bread.

Decadent is the only way to describe these dishes. A hint of white wine hides in the creamy and pungent cheese fondue while just the slightest tinge of sourdough sneaks through in the rustic bread. Kei takes a heaping scoop with a slice of bread and downs a gulp of wine, adding some more warmth to her cheeks in short order.

"This is all wonderful~ but I just can't wait~" She says in between bites.

The table begins to become loaded as soon as the words come out of Kei's mouth. Giant, juicy steaks dripping on their plates with flecks of herb all over their seared surfaces await you.

Kei wastes no time in slipping her knife through the meat. Medium rare and absolutely perfect; it would take the entire hunk of beef for you to truly appreciate the flavors at work. Kei was right though, the powerful red wine matches the meat perfectly and you find yourself fighting the urge to pour wine into your mouth while chomping down some steak and ruining the upscale atmosphere around the restaurant.

Kei slips her bank card into the waiter's leather bound notepad and quietly urges him away.

"As good as I said?"

It still feels like fat is melting in your mouth. You take a deep breath and just sit there, considering the weight of the food and wine on your mind. Kei uncharacteristically giggles and takes your hand. You spend the elevator ride down leaned on each other in the corner, enjoying the cold glass elevator cupola on your skin and the night skies. By the time you get to your room, Kei is nearly dozing off on your arm. It might be best to just sleep; you lay her down on the bed and she moans softly.

"Ahhhh… I ate too much… drank too much too…"

"You nearly finished the bottle on your own darling."

She giggles like a school girl and pulls you close.

"Hehehe, so just like, take off your clothes and just stay with me…I love -ou… you."

Kei's whole body is radiating warmth, she's out of her dress before you could even say a word, wrapped around your chest. You lie on the cool sheets in the night air with her for a bit before loosely wrapping the two of you with a single cotton sheet. Kei pushes her forehead on your chest, rubbing slowly.

"I'm feeling pretty hot… I don't know…"

"Huh?"

"I would-n't drink if you would just put a b-a-b-y in me already~" She sighed, tracing a finger around your face. The confessions of the drunk mind are the sober one's thoughts, right?

"You're really drunk, you want to sleep? I'll get you some water." You say.

Kei accepts a glass of water and drinks it all, prompting you to get more and set it on her nightstand. She's turning red as she speaks.

"Let's still do it…" She rasps into your ear, pulling you to her body.

Now that morning has come, or more accurately, midday; feeling Kei's bare body on yours is bliss, and hardly even erotic. Like an extension of yourself, or a sixth sense you'd never known. Her breath is soft and slow as she sleeps. You could overthink this, or you could just bask in this absolute feeling of unity with your darling; a formerly over-starched office lady whose vocabulary didn't even include 'date' but- all this was already a part of her.

Like an archeology investigation, Kei's beauty had to be revealed to the world, and everything feels better for it. The way the sun shines through the blinds on her face seems to cement this ideal of Kei in your mind. You kiss her forehead, Kei shakes herself awake and latches onto you again.

She's not perfect, but she's more than good enough for you.

"Well, I feel a lot more embarrassed now than obviously I was last night." She says, pressing her bedding wrapped chest to your body.

"Well, this is like getting a hug from you while you're wearing your usual dress shirt." You prod.

"Is that a good thing?"

"It's familiar. I can already tell you've puffed your chest out and are going to look wonderful if you put your suit and binder today."

"Well we don't have to do anything for the trade show until tomorrow, but I'll humor you."

The change in texture that the binder and suit give to Kei's chest are like none other; a softness with a sort of canvas cover with her slender limbs dangling through. It feels good to pin her arms to her sides with a giant bear hug. Kei lets her eyes close while you hold her body tightly. The embrace turns into tender cuddling, with Kei pushing her nonexistent nails through your scalp, letting you bury your face in her bound chest.

"I believe my presence has changed your mind on boyish girls~" She sings, un-pinning her binder. Her breasts immediately puff out.

So soft- The suit's silk, Kei's skin, and lean frame; it's all perfect.

Kei seems to enjoy the attention.

"I can't even get close to doing this while we're both standing so this will have to do." She teases.

"There's a place I'd like to go in the mountains nearby tonight. A private hot spring, where we can bathe together and have dinner after cleaning up."

"Bathe together?"

Kei turns pink but continues.

"Y-yeah, you know, gaze at the stars and enjoy the warmth. Kind of like we're doing right now, just without the shirt between us… I really, really like the way your skin feels on mine."

Kei fidgets with your hands, trying to keep her lusty eyes from making contact with yours. Her hands sneak onto your waist soon after, tracing around where her whims take them.

With a grin, Kei continues.

"After feeling what… you're like- men are like, I don't understand lesbians. The feeling of a man wrapping himself around you is simply intoxicating. However, treating one with care like now is also wonderful. You don't mind letting me touch… uhm, the things that make us different. The muscle is the best in my opinion.

"Feeling talkative today?"

"Nervous mostly." Kei confesses.

"You've given yourself many reasons for that."

Kei nods, then touches a finger to her lips.

"I feel like I should give my best, and not even consider that our relationship could fail, like planning for a failure ensures a failure."

"As long as we can talk to each other honestly and work things out, I think things will go great." You say.

"I always try to tell the truth. Sometimes though, it feels like I can't even tell the one I love the most, the complete truth."

"Like?" You inquire.

"I always feel like I've put you at risk, I'll always worry about all these things I can't do anything about, and it will strain how we get along."

"You don't want to ruin things, and you're already trying to put all the responsibility on yourself."

Kei's head jerks into motion a yes, tears balling up in her eyes.

"What about our kids, will I ruin them for my past deeds as well? Until my oldest daughter is of age, I'll be nearly invincible. Anyone targeting me will go for my loved ones."

"Alright, so then let's play a game." You say, wrapping the two of you together again with a sheet.

"If this was our last hour, and one of your old enemies was going to bomb us, what would you do, or say to me?"

Kei swallows.

"I don't know."

"Ok, then last day."

"I…" Kei's eyes wander all over, searching for an answer.

"To be completely truthful, our recent interactions have made me biased." Kei confesses.

"If you gave me 24 hours with you, I'd spend as much of those as possible just being with you, making love and basking in the afterglow together."

"We still haven't cleaned up entirely from last night, try again."

Kei's voice gains some anger.

"Is this some impossible question or what, that's really how I feel right now!"

"I think this timescale is too short. Let's try again: you have 5 years left to live. What do we do?"

Kei shrinks, deeply thinking.

"The first things that come to mind are relatively selfish. I'd want to bequeath my business to you, and…"

She has a visible moment of realization.

"I think I would desire the current path, of having a home and children together, even if it leads to great pain on your part. I can't imagine being a single parent. It's extremely selfish, but it's what I desire."

"Alright so what about the opposite, I have 5 years and you survive."

"Are you trying to hurt my feelings with these scenarios?!" Kei implores, wanting to know where you're leading.

"Would it change your vision? Would you want anything else?"

"NO!" Kei blurts out, gripping your biceps angrily. Her short nails dig into your arm.

"Then what's different between a 5 year timescale and the rest of our lives? What makes something as random and brutal as that, any different than one of us fading away in old age? It seems so simple when it's said, but when it comes down to it, our reactions would be so different, why?"

"This isn't the same darling, you're being cruel." Kei says, rolling off your chest and coming to lie on her belly, her hind barely covered with the tails of her shirt. She pouts quietly, giving you a mean look. Her blue eyes rage quietly and she refuses to look at you for a moment.

"Would… you choose?"

"Huh?"

"I honestly haven't planned this hot springs trip. I have a nagging voice in the back of my head that says something bad will happen if we don't leave this room and never come back." Her voice falters as she finishes speaking.

Your eyes light up.

"I'll get dressed, pack and we'll leave. Please oblige me."

Kei is putting on her strongest face for the world right now.

"Give me your phone."

You hand her the device.

"Hope you have backups." Kei says bluntly as she crushes the phone under her heel and deposits the remains in the trash. Kei does the same for her phone and unfolds a tourist's map of the city that she nabs while passing by a newspaper stand.

"If we're separated, get to our local office, the Lastation embassy or this bistro by the river." Kei instructs, pointing at various marks on the map.

"Ok." You say, unsure about her mental state.

"Now, I know of many places we can go in the mountains, if my hunch was right, this will save your life."

"Hard to relax when it feels like someone is following you?"

"Why do you think our security has been such a big deal to me? I wouldn't worry for no reason."

"Well, if you're that worried, why don't you change your appearance? You're the only sub 5 foot 'boy' clinging to the side of a man in this city. You're pretty distinct."

Kei shrinks. "You're right. However, this also feels like a roundabout way to get me into a dress."

"Maybe."

"All it would take is a pair of giant old man glasses on me, some grey dye for my hair, then a sundress and cute blonde wig for you, and we would look like father and daughter~" You tease; your lover bunches up, preparing for a decision.

"F-Fine."

Kei really needs your support right now, not just your usual teasing and affection. You lean in, holding her thin frame to your chest.

"How long has it been since I said 'I love you' ?"

Kei's eyes glare over with tears instantly.

"You make it so hard, darling." She says, wiping a few beads away from her cheeks.

"Your greatest fears are coming true, it looks like you're breaking, I had to do something."

Kei doesn't acknowledge your line at all, rather burying her face into your chest, sobbing quietly. She has cried before, but never sobbed. Your hand strokes the back of Kei's head, letting her 'get it all out' so to speak.

"I'll have time to be emotional elsewhere." Kei states, choking back her tears and parting from your embrace; her eyes are puffy and red.

Kei gives a devilish grin and sweeps you off your feet, carrying you in her arms across the room.

"I'll carry you away if I have to." She proclaims triumphantly. The fact that her small body can even hold you up like this is a testament to Kei's strength of will. She lingers for a moment, glancing into your eyes. Despite trying to lighten the mood, Kei is absolutely terrified and cannot hide it. Her typically steady grip is shivering on your back and under your legs.

"Come on, let's leave. I can't watch you like this."

Kei sets you down and takes her suitcase, starting out the door.

"You don't have to tell me twice. Stay by my side- that's the best form of security I can give you right now." You take her arm, linked to the other at the elbow. While donning her famous suit, Kei took your arm and strode with a strength and pride on display that you haven't known since… well, you didn't know her. Kei is much more reasonable now that you've spent a bit more than a year at her side. Kei carries herself almost like a royal, as if her mere demeanor would persuade a would-be attacker to stand down. If Kei's reputation and actions were anything like the tidbits you've heard, it may be more than enough. Simply walking down the hallways of the hotel is putting more eyes on you two today, and Kei was even dressed significantly more skimpily yesterday.

A man in a suit and your lover lock eyes for a moment. The clean-cut mannequin like copy of a typical business man stands before you two, he acknowledges his position and your gaze with a nod before starting to talk.

"Ms. Jinguji, you understand how this works so I'll keep it short. My boss wants to know for a fact that you're out of the intel business."

"This is a very elaborate way of saying 'We don't want to expend the resources required to kill someone of your magnitude.' How respectful of you." Kei dryly complains.

"So?" The man says, not losing focus.

"Of course I'm done. I've cut all ties, I just want to run my businesses and enjoy my life." Kei responds.

"Ah. Well, there are rumors, and always houses to clear."

"I only resorted to killing contacts when absolutely necessary, I've heard that your recent brokers are a bunch of trigger happy fools. Make sure to spread the news that there will be hell to pay if anyone comes after me with any sort of request that doesn't involve selling or buying industrial products or financial services." Kei pulls no punches.

The man offers a business card and takes his leave, Kei thumbs over the pale paper and blue lettering for a second before slipping it into her breast pocket. The man faded into the crowd- clearly some sort of intelligence agent.

"I hate this." Kei says, a hint of anger in her voice.

"I can tell." You say, pulling the shoulder of her suit straight. Kei sinks.

"Come on, hot springs- the mountain stars. We're going to see them together still, right?"

Kei sighs with all of her might. "Yes."